NAMPA — Thousands of people from across the Treasure Valley and beyond crowded Nampa's Idaho Center Wednesday night for the 43rd God and Country Family Festival.

Members of the crowd roamed among the numerous vendors and informational booths or rushed to set blankets on prime hillside real estate in the run-up to the fireworks and festivities at the annual celebration of faith and patriotism.

Brian  Yeager of KTSY radio, helping out at a prayer tent, said the festival has remained a popular attraction because it offers something for everyone.

"There's too much division — political division, belief division — so much that pulls us apart," Yeager said. "This is just an opportunity to come together around the things that we share."

Youth Pastor Brian Seidel of Cloverdale Church of God was one of a number of church representatives manning booths at Wednesday's event.

"It's always just good to see people come out. It's just a great time and a great family-friendly event," Seidel said.

Chris Wyatt, of Boise, said the atmosphere was a major draw.

"It's nice not to have the tons of beer, the smoking everywhere," he said.

Military families served as a major point of attention at this year's festival. Dozens of new recruits were sworn in as part of the festivities — a first for the festival.

State and local officials also signed and presented a "community covenant," stressing the sacrifices of service members and their families and the community's commitment to offer support.

Wayne and Janet Gleim of Emmett attended the festival for their first time this year, along with a group of Nazarene Youth International members from Emmett Church of the Nazarene.

"God and Country kind of reflects our beliefs," said Wayne, who serves as president of the youth group.

"We've been wanting to come for years," Janet added.

Lora and Matt Crider, of Twin Falls, made the trek to Nampa to catch Brandon Heath, the headline musical act. This is the first year the couple had heard about the festival, Lora said.

"This is much bigger than I expected," she said. "We walked in and saw all these blankets. I didn't know it was such a huge deal."